DairyTalk 515: Breeding without courage stays average: why elite cows must be created deliberately - by Helmut Demmelhuber

DairyTalk by Helmut Demmelhuber · Jul 1, 2026 · 21m

This podcast episode draws on a technical article by Helmut Demmelhuber, exploring the tension between risk control and genetic progress in Holstein breeding. It highlights how increasing uniformity in herds can limit the emergence of exceptional animals. The analysis introduces a two-speed strategy, combining a stable commercial herd with a focused breeding nucleus aimed at genetic advancement. Modern genomic tools allow breeders to apply more extreme breeding approaches with greater control and reduced risk. Ultimately, long-term progress depends on deliberate differentiation and…